He swung back to stare critically in the glass. He faced her, a strange expression on his countenance. ‘How can someone so young and beautiful be so wise? It would seem I have been hiding myself away needlessly these past years and it took a girl, scarce out of the schoolroom, to show me.’
‘I am not a schoolroom-miss, I am a woman grown – as you very well know.’
He chuckled. ‘Indeed you are, sweetheart, but compared to a battle scarred soldier of nine and twenty you are a babe in arms.’
‘Jack, I thought you told me you are eight and twenty or did I miss hear you?’
‘Actually, I’ve anticipated the event by a few days. My name day is October the first, which I believe is next Monday.’
‘How exciting! Shall we have a party to celebrate your name day and our betrothal?’
‘Have you run mad? There’s still someone out there trying to kill us, not, I would think, a cause for jollity.’
‘My mother always said when things were bad was exactly the time to have a party.’ She grinned. ‘And have you forgotten your lawyers are stealing from you, as well, so we have two things to try and forget for an evening.’
He stood. ‘Good God! Blower and Thomas; I had intended to go into Ipswich today to demand to see the originals of those documents. I ought to do so now; if their offices are still closed I’ll organize a warrant for their arrest and appoint a new firm to look into matters.’
‘But what about the party? If we are to have one I’ll have to start thinking about the organization immediately -there is a lot that goes into planning something of this sort.’
‘I have far more important things to consider, you must do as you please. It’s something the females of the species are good at, in my experience. I must find Captain Forsythe and speak to him.’
‘I’m not happy with the thought of you riding alone in the lanes. You have just told me there are still men at large who wish you harm.’
‘I’m not a noddy, my love. I’ll have four of Captain Forsythe’s militia to accompany me. I’ll be perfectly safe.’
He stretched out and placing a finger under her chin raised her head, to drop a gentle kiss on her parted lips, then without further ado, strode out, calling back his farewells. She flopped back on the day bed. Being with him was like being tossed in a tempest, it left her emotions, as well as her appearance, in disarray.
She considered his comments; would it be a bad idea to hold a party? No - it would not. Now was the ideal opportunity for with the militia camped at Thurston they could not be safer. Outside the Hall they would be protected by the soldiers, inside, once the doors were locked, they were even more secure. Thurston might be old and in poor repair but the fabric was solid; no one could enter once the bolts were pushed home each night. She couldn’t wait to return to begin her preparations.
A party - this was exactly what they needed after so much sadness and danger. She shut her eyes and her thoughts inevitably turned to her mother so recently departed. She counted back - was it only three months since that dreadful day? She could hardly believe how much her life had changed in so short a space of time.
Then she recalled Jack’s anguish when he had spoken of his rejection by someone named Sophia, a woman he had loved so much. What sort of person could break a hero’s heart like that? She determined to do everything she could to make him forget. She understood why he had reacted so badly when she had mentioned love. He had been so damaged by that woman he was no longer able to love another, but at least he held her in affection and respect. Did he not lard his speech with endearments? A rosy glow engulfed her as she considered another aspect of their relationship. At least she could be confident he desired her, that he wanted her in his bed.
The sound of a carriage turning on the gravel outside the window ended her solitude. She was pleased to see Mary had arrived, bringing with her fresh garments and other necessities.
Beth recovered quickly, as expected, and was as eager as Charlotte to return to Thurston Hall. She wanted to play with her kittens. Charlotte had dined upstairs with Beth and had not spoken again with the doctor. However, he was waiting to say his farewells when they descended the next morning.
‘I wish you God speed, Miss Carstairs and Miss Beth. Lord Thurston has sent some militia to escort you home so I am sure you will come to no harm today.’
‘I must thank you for your generous hospitality, Dr Andrews. When Lord Thurston and I are married you will be the first person invited dine with us. I hope we can count you as a friend from now on.’
He bowed. ‘I am honoured, Miss Carstairs. And I shall always be ready to offer my home or my skills if you or your family should have need of them.’
She curtsied and they left in a flurry of good wishes. Jethro handed them into the carriage and the four soldiers closed ranks. She was pleased to be on her way home where she didn’t have to ask permission to move from room to room. Beth was too tired from her bout of fever to do more than rest her head in her sister’s lap.
‘Good heavens, Mary, look at that. The gate has been re-hung and the weeds are gone from the drive.’
‘Isn’t it grand, Miss Carstairs? The men from the village are that glad of employment that they’re working all hours to please his grace.’
She stared at the acres of parkland which a week ago had been a meadow. ‘Beth, darling, if you sit up a little you will see your maze is now clipped. It will be so much more exciting for you and Harry when you can get right inside it to play.’
Beth sat up. ‘Can I go in it later, when I’m feeling a bit better, Lottie?’
‘Yes, of course, but tomorrow, not today.’ Beth’s eyes filled. ‘But you can have your kittens up in your room to play with for a while. You haven’t decided on their names yet, have you?’
Jack was waiting on the steps, Harry dancing impatiently at his side the new puppy clutched under his arm. He would have dashed forward before the carriage was quite stationary if Jack hadn’t prevented him.
‘Wait, Harry, do you wish to be trampled by the horses?’
Harry shook his head. ‘No and neither does Buttons.’
The stable boy, smart in new breeches and clean cotton shirt, ran round to open the door and let down the steps. Jack handed Charlotte down, then leant in and lifted Beth out.
‘You are far too weak to walk, little one, so I shall carry upstairs to your room if you have no objection?’
‘Thank you, Cousin Jack,’ she replied shyly, happy to be transported by her hero.
Charlotte hugged Harry and kissed the overexcited puppy. ‘How are you? Have you been a good boy for Annie?’
‘Course I have, Lottie. But Buttons has been bad. He chewed a hole in the carpet.’
He grinned up at Jack. ‘But Cousin Jack wasn’t cross; he laughed.’
She smiled. ‘Well, you must be careful to see it doesn’t happen again and remember your puppy has to learn his manners before he is allowed to remain inside.’
Upstairs she could hardly credit the improvement. ‘Jack, everywhere looks wonderful - even the gallery balustrade is shining.’
‘Mrs Blake and her team have been working hard to get things in order for you. She has taken on a dozen village women to do the heavy work.’
‘So many?’
‘Do not frown, my love; I have sufficient flimsies to cover expenses, at least for the next few weeks. By then I should be in a position to start collecting rents and perhaps decide to sell one or two of the smaller properties.’
‘Are you intending to visit the lawyers today, or did you find time to see them yesterday? Do you now know who your heir is?’
‘Good God! No, I don’t. That’s something I ought to know. The estate is run down, and providing no revenue, but two thousand acres of Suffolk must be worth killing me for.’
What Beth had made of this conversation she had no idea and could only hope her sister had been feeling too poorly to understand. Such matters were best kept from the ears of children.
> She saw that Beth was settled then began an exploration of the house. She was thrilled to find she now had a private parlour adjoining her bedchamber. The room had been scrubbed and the floors and panelled walls polished. A sideboard had been found and an octagonal marquetry table, two wooden armchairs and a chaise longue. None were in the first stare of fashion but were a great improvement on nothing at all.
‘Look, Harry, I have fresh curtains at the windows and a lovely blue carpet.’ Harry was about to put Buttons down. ‘No, not on my new rug, take him outside to play, please.’
Harry was about to argue but hastily closed his mouth and trotted off as Jack appeared in the doorway.
‘Well, do you like your boudoir?’ She turned, ready to throw herself into his arms to show him how much she liked it but he restrained her. ‘No, my love, I’m determined to behave with propriety until we are wed. It will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but do it I shall.’
She dropped her arms in dismay. ‘I can’t embrace you? I am not allowed to thank you for your kindness?’
‘Do it from there, sweetheart; it is safer. I don’t think you realize the powerful effect you have on me. When you are within my arm’s reach I am consumed with a desire to make love to you and that I must not let that happen until we’re married.’
Charlotte walked away as instructed. She stopped on the far side of the room, her back to the window. ‘Am I far enough away? Can you manage to restrain yourself from
there?’
‘Baggage, come and sit down like a good girl. I need to talk to you before I go out.’
‘What is it? Is there something wrong?’
‘Nothing for you to fret about but I will admit it is a setback. You asked about my visit to Ipswich, I had to postpone it as the man we have in custody took a turn for the worse. Unfortunately he kicked the bucket before we had a chance to interrogate him.’
‘Oh dear! What are you going to do?’
‘I’m going to Ipswich to see those thieving lawyers.’ He smiled as her brow creased in anxiety. ‘Remember I told you I am taking an escort so I shall be perfectly safe.’
‘I’ll worry until you return. I feel so much safer when you’re here to protect me.’
He chuckled. ‘I’m flattered by your faith in me, my dear, but you are much better off with Captain Forsythe and his men. They are both younger and fitter than I.’
‘It wasn’t Captain Forsyth who killed three men or who tracked down the fourth.’
‘The one who could have solved this conundrum has escaped, but I’m hopeful my visit to Ipswich will reveal something useful. The militia will remain at Thurston until this matter is settled one way or the other.’
‘What will you do if the lawyers are gone, the office closed?’
‘I shall break in, of course. They will be wanted men, their goods and chattels confiscated.’
‘I hope it doesn’t come to that, but the more I reflect the more concerned I become about their probity. There have been several worrying omissions in their handling of your affairs that point to their dishonesty.’
‘Let’s hope I can recover what they stole; I’m anticipating the contents of their office will be a revelation.’ He stood, bowed, and prepared to leave. At the door he turned back, the power of his smile made her knees tremble and she was glad she had remained seated.
‘God speed, Jack.’
‘I expect to be back before dark, if I’m not, please don’t imagine the worst. I might be obliged to overnight at the Crown to conclude my business.’
She smiled. ‘As you have four soldiers with you, and will be in the middle of the town, I’m sure you will be perfectly safe.’ She preferred not to think about him travelling along the narrow lane where they had been ambushed two days before.
The day dawdled past, the children content to play with their pets and not requiring her intervention. Mrs Blake had the Hall running smoothly so she had no role to play on the domestic front. She had not been consulted about menus, or cleaning duties, but supposed as a minor, and Jack’s ward, she had no official position. Her time would come when she became his duchess, then she could truly call this her home.
Three girls were already occupied sewing her undergarments and making the necessary alterations to her new gowns. She had nothing with which to occupy her time. She ended the afternoon curled up in front of a roaring fire in the drawing-room a pencil and pad on her lap making her plans for Jack’s name day celebration. She glanced at the bracket clock and saw the time was four o’clock. It would be dark soon. She could feel the chill of winter in the air already. The unseasonable summery weather had gone and the outside men were fighting to keep up with the cascade of golden leaves pouring down onto the newly scythed lawns.
She yawned. Life was flat without him there to spar with. She decided to go to the kitchen to speak to Betty about the menu for the party, that would while away an hour or so.
*
Jack’s scarlet coated escort turned several heads as they clattered into Ipswich. They halted in front of the building which housed the offices of Blower and Thomas. He scowled. His instinct had been correct, the place was still closed. His quarry had already flown. Thieving bastards! He threw his reins to the young lieutenant.
‘Hold Lucifer, I’m going to see if I can rouse anyone, but it looks as though the place is deserted.’
Several thunderous bangs received no response. Without hesitation he raised his boot and crashed it down against the lock. The door swung open. He strode in. These men had stolen his property and he had every right to search their premises for evidence.
The door opened into a vestibule in which was a high clerk’s desk and stool. Behind this was the main room and if he remembered rightly from his brief visit earlier in the week, Blower’s office was the room on the right. He pushed open the door and found a scene of chaos. The desk littered with papers, obviously a sign of a rapid departure.
Lieutenant Jarvis spoke from behind him. ‘I’m afraid it looks as though they’ve absconded with your money, your grace. You were right to be concerned. Shall I send for a warrant? I shall need their details, descriptions, and place of residence, if I do.’
‘I have no inkling where they lived, but I’m hoping to discover something amongst these parchments that might give us the information you require.’
Although the office appeared to have been ransacked there were still boxes of papers untouched in the cupboards that lined the walls. Jack knew when to admit defeat. ‘There is too much here for me to wade through. I need to find another team of lawyers to make order from this confusion.’
Lieutenant Jarvis, armed with the sketchy information, departed, taking one trooper with him to find the courthouse and obtain the necessary warrants for the arrest of the missing lawyers. Jack left a second soldier guarding the door and with the remaining two went in search of new legal representation.
There were several firms in the vicinity and he selected the closest, one ‘Desmond and Son’. Night had fallen before the four clerks and two soldiers had cleared the offices of Blower and Thomas. The many boxes, rolls of parchment and piles of letters were taken to be examined by Mr Desmond.
Mr Desmond being the son, the father having long since retired, was a youngish man, about Jack’s own age. ‘It’s going to take me some time to sort through all these documents and remove any pertaining to yourself, your grace. But I can assure you, that as soon as I do discover anything relating to you, I shall come to Thurston to inform you.’
‘Good man; what I particularly want to know is, who stands to inherit if I should die without issue and also any clues as to where Blower and Thomas might have hidden my money.’
‘The injunction I’ve applied for will come into force immediately, which means all their assets are now frozen. They can no longer withdraw funds from their bank account. However, until the bank reopens on Monday, I shall not be able to discover what has already been taken. It is a great shame they have had four days to
move their assets.’
‘Do your best, Mr Desmond. I’m staying at the Crown this evening but shall be leaving early. If you need of me tonight you will know where to find me.’
The thought of Charlotte and the children alone at Thornton unsettled him. Captain Forsythe was camped half a mile away with his troops and that there would be an armed guard on duty all night around the Hall. He could have done no more; he had made every provision for their security. But despite all this he was tempted to cancel his reservation and ride back through the night.
What was wrong with him, for God’s sake? He was behaving like a veritable greenhorn not an experienced veteran of the Peninsula.
Chapter Eighteen
Breakfast was being served in the morning parlour when Jack thundered back down the drive, his escort at least two miles behind him. The stable boy scarcely had time to drop his pitchfork and scamper around to the front the house to take Lucifer’s reins. The stallion was sweat stained and flecked with foam.
‘Walk him for thirty minutes. He’s too hot to stable.’
The boy touched his forelock. ‘Yes, your grace.’
Jack saw him view the horse with disfavour, no doubt the boys toes had hardly recovered from the stamping they had received last time. ‘He is too tired to give you any trouble, lad. I have been galloping hard this past hour.’
Jack was dishevelled, his boots mud splattered, his stock undone. He ran his fingers over his unshaven jaw; Robert would soon make him presentable. Grinning at the idea that he was worrying about his appearance, something he had not done for the past two years, he strode to the steps. What a difference the arrival of a delectable young lady made!
Meltham bowed him in. ‘Is Miss Carstairs down yet?’
‘Yes, your grace, she is in the breakfast parlour with the children.’
‘Excellent! Tell her I am back and shall be joining her directly.’
*
Charlotte looked up as the butler entered. ‘Lord Thurston has returned, Miss Carstairs. He has asked me to inform you that he will be joining you very soon.’ Her radiance prompted an unexpected smile from Meltham.
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